Piwniczna-Zdrój

Piwniczna-Zdrój is a commune located in the south of Małopolska, close to the border with Slovakia, and covers part of the Beskid Sądecki Mountains. It includes the town of Piwniczna-Zdrój, located in the Poprad bend, and several small villages scattered among the mountains. The entire area belongs to the Poprad Landscape Park. It is a picturesque corner of Poland with an interesting history. The Poprad valley is one of the most beautiful river valleys in the country. In the past, an important trade route ran through here, the remnants of which are the castles of the Podkarpacie region. The commune covers 12 649 ha. Its lowest point is located at an altitude of 347 m above sea level (near Młodowo nad Popradem), and the highest one is the peak of Mały Rogacz - 1162 m above sea level. It is attractive thanks to the healing waters, a large number of natural attractions and mountain routes, as well as the cultural heritage of black highlanders.

A public portal helpful during travel planning: https://www.e-podroznik.pl

Bus:

• Krakow - Brzesko - Nowy Sącz - Piwniczna (Szwagropol - www.szwagropol.pl)
• Nowy Sącz - Piwnicza - Wierchomla (Mar-pol - http://marpol-bus.com.pl/index.php?op=6)
• Krynica-Zdrój - Piwniczna Zdrój (Rafatex - http://www.rafatex.com/rozklad.html)

Rail:

• Krakow - Tarnów - Nowy Sącz - Piwniczna Zdrój (https://rozklad-pkp.pl/)
• Krynica-Zdrój - Muszyna-Zdrój - Piwniczna-Zdrój (https://rozklad-pkp.pl/)

Own transport:

BRZESKO - PIWNICZNA-ZDRÓJ

Goetz Palace in Brzesko - a historic palace surrounded by a beautiful park.

Czchów - a small town with a historic square layout and a restored tower and a dam. Tropsztyn Castle in Wytrzyszczka. Open in July and August. Inside there is a cafe and a children's corner.

Tropie - Hermitage of the Holy Hermits Andrzej Świerad and Benedict and the historic church.

Roztoka - Brzeziny - Osada Młyńska. Here you can see the work of a historic mill.

Nowy Sącz with a historic market square, a gothic basilica and the ruins of a medieval castle. On the outskirts of the city, there is the Ethnographic Park with the Galician Town.

Stary Sącz - a small town with a historic market square and the monastery of St. Kinga and the Papal Altar.

Wola Krogulecka - a snail-shaped viewing platform with beautiful views of the Beskid Sądecki.

Rytro - ruins of one of the Podpradu castles. It's worth climbing the hill to admire the views.

Piwniczna-Zdrój - a small market square with a historic urban layout, the Neo-Baroque Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Museum Chamber with a collection of historic skis, Spa Park, Artistic Pump Room, Mała Pijalnia.

Pools on Radwan - pools with attractions for young and old. In winter, an ice rink opens here.

Park Węgielnik-Skałki - is located on a small hill with beautiful views. At the top, we have a historical exhibition about the Second World War and a viewing platform. Rafting on the Poprad River - rafting on boats, kayaks and SUP boards.

Wierchomla Wielka - natural outflows of mineral waters, a Greek Catholic church from 1821.

Bacówka nad Wierchomla - a climatic mountain shelter.

The observation tower on Eliaszówka - the green trail from the center of Piwniczna-Zdrój leads to it.

Park “At the sources of St. Kinga w Młodowie ” - one of the oldest mineral water springs in the region. A place dedicated to St. Kinga, but also nature and educational paths.

Ski stations: Dwie Doliny Wierchomla ski station - Muszyna, Suche Ski Station, Kokusza SKI Ski Station

Wooden Architecture Trail: Orthodox Church of St. James in Powroźnik (UNESCO), the Church of St. Of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Tylicz, the Greek Catholic Church of st. Dymitr in Leluchów, Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Dubno, the Orthodox Church of St. John the Evangelist in Muszynka, the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist in Jastrzębik, Orthodox Church of St. Dymitr in Złockie, the Orthodox Church of St. Dymitr in Szczawnik.

Muszyna-Zdrój - a small town with beautiful sensory gardens and castle ruins.

Krynica-Zdrój - a popular health resort with many attractions.

Słotwiny Lookout Tower - a path in the treetops.

Slovakia: Stara Ľubovňa Castle and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Limanowa

Throughout the year, Piwniczna-Zdrój and the surrounding villages host numerous regional events and fairs presenting the cultural values of the commune. It is an opportunity to try local cuisine, listen to regional bands or meet craftsmen. While in Piwniczna-Zdrój, it is worth trying the cuisine of black highlanders, it is simple, based on potatoes, cabbage and sheep's cheese. One of the most interesting dishes is the Lomnican dumplings from Łomnica-Zdrój. This interesting dish arouses interest due to the legends that circulate around it. In August, the annual Łomniczański Pierogi Festival takes place in Łomnica.

The waters of Piwniczna are rich in bicarbonate - calcium - magnesium and bicarbonate - calcium - magnesium - sodium. Some sources also contain a small amount of iron. The most common way to use it is to drink water, baths are also popular. Many treatments are available in treatment centers. Waters are supposed to help with rheumatological diseases, respiratory and digestive system diseases, neuroses, they are supposed to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and counteract atherosclerosis. Detailed information on the water content and healing properties can be found at each spring. The climate of the Poprad Landscape Park and a large amount of forested areas also have a beneficial effect on health. Among the doctors' recommendations, there are always walks along the Piwniczna routes.

• It is worth coming to Piwniczna Zdrój at any time of the year. Summer is full of various events. It is also the best time for mountain walks and relaxation by the Poprad River. In autumn, the surrounding mountains take on beautiful colors, and in spring, flowers bloom, adding charm to the forest paths. Winter is the best season for skiing fans.
• From Piwniczna-Zdrój, it is worth going on a trip to Slovakia, remember about the documents entitling them to cross the border for children (an ID card is enough for adults).
• Visiting the city or nearby attractions will require longer walks, sometimes up hills, so it is worth choosing comfort and thinking about taking trekking poles. Something more elegant can be prepared for artistic events in the Pump Room or concerts in churches.